MURFREESBORO – MTSU football coach Rick Stockstill welcomed 105 veterans and newcomers Sunday as the team officially reported for the start of fall drills. The first official practice is set for 4:20 p.m. today and is open to the public.

"We had a good offseason and being able to watch our guys workout and run has given me a better sense of our conditioning as we begin practice," said Stockstill. "We made improvements in our strength and weight gain and now we just need to maintain that during the season.

"I really like this team but know we have some holes to fill and leadership to develop. It's an exciting time and everyone in the program is anxious to get started Monday."

The freshmen and transfers spent most of the day in academic orientation meetings Sunday before taking photos and physicals early in the afternoon.

The NCAA's mandatory acclimatization period will begin with Monday's practice and will conclude with Friday's drills.

A total of 49 lettermen and 13 starters highlighted the list of players reporting to camp Sunday. Offensively, the Blue Raiders have 20 lettermen and five starters returning which includes linemen Isaiah Anderson and Darius Johnson, running back Jordan Parker and receivers Christian Collis and Marcus Henry.

Defensively, 25 letter winners and eight starters will be back for defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix.

The Blue Raiders had three veterans and a newcomer who will not be part of the 105 as they continue to rehab injuries. Collis, tight end William Wilson, running back Reggie Whatley, and tight end Tyler Barron are all still working to come back from off-season surgeries.

The Blue Raiders open the 2014 season at home against Savannah State, Aug. 30. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.